For additional piece of mind you can reach out to an attorney for a small fee and they can set it up for you.

It makes sense to have multiple buyers in mind when you put something under contract. 

I've still got a few questions if you don't mind...If the home goes to a reverse mortgage company, is it too late to make an offer on the property? 

Keep in mind that is just one metric ,that is not the entire picture !

We are FI-minded and although this will be our primary residence for many years, we have an *investment* mindset and would like someone with similar values and visions to help us decide on the best property. 

You have to trust the contractor will have your best interests in mind and not gouge you on the pricing  or respond to tenant related or nonsensical issues (ie, I have a broken slat on my miniblind and need it to be replaced). 

Looking to connect with like minded investors in the area.I often work out of the area as I have a full time career in sales focused in IT. 

That would probably be the best way to get started and network.Attend local REIA meetings and connect with like-minded investors: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet

The kill zone is 120-140f, keeping in mind they can be behind heat barriers.

I'll certainly keep that in mind.